Fold-back mitten and sock combination

ABSTRACT

A garment for wearing on a hand or a foot of a wearer comprises a tubular proximal portion, an elongated sole portion, and first and second covering portions. The proximal edge of the first covering portion is affixed to the first distal edge of the tubular proximal portion. The distal edge of the first covering portion is unaffixed. The first and second side edges of the first covering portion are each affixed to at least a portion of a respective one of the opposing mid-perimeter portions of the sole portion. The first edge of the second covering portion is affixed to at least a portion of the distal perimeter portion of the sole portion. The second edge of the second covering portion is unaffixed. The second distal edge of the tubular proximal portion is affixed to at least a portion of the proximal perimeter portion of the sole portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/813,746, filed Apr. 19, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to clothing.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is known to have mittens in which the distal end (the end covering the fingers) is open on one side (typically the palm side) such that the distal end can be selectively folded inside-out to expose the wearer's fingers. Such a design can keep fingers covered and warm when needed, but can allow easy access to fingers to perform tasks that require more dexterity. Such mittens are commonly termed “fold-back” or “flip-top” mittens.

Such mittens are often used for very young children. However, as such mittens are typical fairly short and only extend to the child's wrist (or just proximal to that), such mittens come off the child's hands very easily.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly stated, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a garment for wearing on a hand or a foot of a wearer. The garment comprises a tubular proximal portion, an elongated sole portion, and first and second covering portions. The tubular proximal portion has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a first distal edge and a second distal edge. The elongated sole portion has a perimeter that has a proximal perimeter portion, a distal perimeter portion, and opposing mid-perimeter portions. The first covering portion has opposing proximal and distal edges and opposing first and second side edges. The proximal edge of the first covering portion is affixed to the first distal edge of the tubular proximal portion. The distal edge of the first covering portion is unaffixed. The first and second side edges of the first covering portion are each affixed to at least a portion of a respective one of the opposing mid-perimeter portions of the sole portion. The second covering portion has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge of the second covering portion has first and second ends. The second edge of the second covering portion has first and second ends. The first ends of the first and second edges of the second covering portion abut each other. The second ends of the first and second edges of the second covering portion abut each other. The first edge of the second covering portion is affixed to at least a portion of the distal perimeter portion of the sole portion. The second edge of the second covering portion is unaffixed. The second distal edge of the tubular proximal portion is affixed to at least a portion of the proximal perimeter portion of the sole portion.

The second edge of the second covering portion may overlap the distal edge of the first covering portion when the second covering portion is in a closed position.

At least a portion of the second covering portion may overlap at least a portion of a bottom surface of the sole portion when the second covering portion is in an open position.

A length of the sole portion may be greater than a combined length of the first and second covering portions.

The proximal end of the tubular proximal portion may comprise a cuff. The cuff may comprise a resilient material.

The first and second distal edges of the distal end of the tubular proximal portion may comprise first and second distal arctuate edges.

The sole portion may have a rounded rectangular shape or an oval shape. The sole portion may comprise a padded or cushioned material.

The tubular proximal portion may comprise a first material; and where the first and second covering portions comprise a second material different than the first material.

The second material may have increased heat retaining ability as compared to the first material.

The tubular proximal portion may comprise a resilient material. The first and second covering portions may comprise a non-resilient material. The sole portion may comprise a non-resilient material.

The first and second covering portions may comprise a non-resilient material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a fold-back mitten and sock combination as worn on a wearer's leg, in the closed position, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the fold-back mitten and sock combination of FIG. 1 as worn on a wearer's leg, in the open position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the fold-back mitten and sock combination of FIG. 1 as worn on a wearer's arm, in the closed position.

FIG. 4 illustrates the fold-back mitten and sock combination of FIG. 1 as worn on a wearer's arm, in the open position.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the fold-back mitten and sock combination of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fold-back mitten and sock combination of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a fold-back mitten and sock combination, in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a fold-back mitten and sock combination. The fold-back mitten and sock combination of embodiments of the invention has advantageous features not present in conventional fold-back mittens. The fold-back mitten and sock combination of embodiments of the invention can be worn either as on the hand as a mitten or on the foot as a sock, due to the novel structure described further below. Additionally, the fold-back mitten and sock combination of embodiments of the invention is longer than conventional fold-back mittens, and as such stay in place better (especially on very young children).

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 is illustrated, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 is illustrated on a wearer's leg 50 and in the closed position in which the wearer's toes are covered. In FIG. 2, the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 is illustrated on a wearer's leg 50 and in the open position in which the wearer's toes are exposed. In FIG. 3, the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 is illustrated on a wearer's arm 52 and in the closed position in which the wearer's fingers are covered. In FIG. 4, the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 is illustrated on a wearer's arm 52 and in the open position in which the wearer's fingers are exposed.

The fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 comprises a tubular main body (which may also be termed a proximal portion) 12. The tubular main body has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the tubular main body has a first distal edge 26 and a second distal edge 24. The first and second distal edges 26, 24 of the distal end of the tubular main body 12 are typically arctuate or curvilinear in shape (see FIG. 5).

The tubular main body may have a proximal cuff 20 at the proximal end. A wearer would insert his/her hand or foot into the proximal opening 42 and continue inserting his/her hand or foot into the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 until the fingers or toes reach the distal end of the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10. The main body 12 may be constructed of any suitable fabric or combination of fabrics, but typically is constructed of a resilient fabric or combination of fabrics such that the main body returns to its original shape/size when stretched and such that the main body applies some pressure to the arm or leg to enable the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 to stay in place during use. As an example, the main body may be constructed of cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, silk, cashmere, acrylic, or combinations thereof. The thickness of the material of the tubular main body may vary as desired. Additionally, one or more additional materials may be added to impart the desired amount of resiliency or elasticity, such as elastane (Lycra or Spandex), rubber, or latex. The cuff 20 may be constructed of the same resilient material as the main body 12, but may be constructed in such a way that the cuff is thicker and/or more resilient than the main body 12. Alternatively, the cuff 20 may be constructed of a different material or combination of materials that is thicker and/or more resilient (or different in some other way) than the material of the main body 12.

The fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 further comprises an elongated sole portion 18 that has a perimeter. The perimeter has a proximal perimeter portion 36, a distal perimeter portion 40, and opposing mid-perimeter portions 38. The second distal edge 24 of the tubular main body 12 is affixed to at least a portion of the proximal perimeter portion 36 of the sole portion 18. It is the sole portion 18 that facilitates using the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 as a sock in addition to using it as a mitten. When worn on a wearer's foot, the sole portion 18 sits against the sole of the wearer's foot and wearer's foot sits on the sole portion 18 when the wearer is standing (see FIG. 1). When worn as a mitten, the sole portion 18 sits unobtrusively against the back of the wearer's hand and wrist (see FIG. 3). The size of the sole portion 18 may vary, and may be sized generally to correspond, for example, to a specific foot size, a range of foot sizes, an age of a wearer, a range of ages of a wearer, a small number of general sizes (e.g., small, medium, large), or a general age category of wearer (e.g., infant, toddler, child). The length of the sole portion 18 is typically greater than a combined length of the first covering portion 14 and the second covering portion 16 (described below). The length of the sole portion 18 as compared to the combined length of the first covering portion 14 and the second covering portion 16 may be expressed as a ratio (length of sole portion:combined length of first and second covering portions), and the ratio may vary depending on the intended age of the wearer. For example, for a wearer that is less than six months old, the ratio may be 3.5:1; for a wearer that is between six and twelve months old, the ratio may be 4:1; for a wearer that is greater than twelve months old, the ratio may be 1.5:1 (the ratios need not be precisely these, but may vary somewhat). The sole portion 18 may have a rounded rectangular shape (see FIG. 5), an oval shape, or any other suitable shape. The sole portion 18 may comprise any suitable material/fabric or combination of materials/fabric (typically non-resilient). As an example, the sole portion 18 may be constructed of cotton, wool, fleece, Minky, knit, nylon, polyester, silk, cashmere, acrylic, or combinations thereof. It may be desirable that the material/fabric selected for the sole portion 18 be more durable that the material/fabric used for the other portions of the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10. The sole portion 18 may comprise a padded or cushioned material, which may be multi-layer. The sole portion 18 may have a durable outer lining or coating, which may be waterproof or water resistant and which may also be non-skid (or have a full or partial non-skid coating on the outer lining or coating), such as plastic, rubberized plastic, silicone, or rubber. The material of the sole portion may be waterproof or water resistant. The thickness of the material of the sole portion may vary as desired. The sole portion may include an inside lining for comfort, which may be constructed of silk, nylon, or any other suitable fabric that may be used as a lining of a garment.

The fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 further comprises a first covering portion 14 having a proximal edge 28, an opposing distal edge 22, and opposing first and second side edges 30. The proximal edge 28 of the first covering portion 14 is affixed to the first distal edge 26 of the tubular main body 12. The distal edge 22 of the first covering portion 14 is unaffixed (i.e., not affixed to anything). The first and second side edges 30 of the first covering portion 14 are each affixed to at least a portion of a respective one of the opposing mid-perimeter portions 38 of the sole portion 18. (Note that the components that are affixed to the sole portion 18 may be affixed at the very outer edge of the perimeter of the sole portion 18, or may be affixed slightly in from the very outer edge.)

The fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 further comprises a second covering portion 16 having a first edge 34 and a second edge 32. The first edge 34 of the second covering portion 16 has first and second ends (not labeled). The second edge 32 of the second covering portion 16 has first and second ends (not labeled). The first ends of the first and second edges of the second covering portion abut each other, and the second ends of the first and second edges of the second covering portion abut each other. The first edge 34 of the second covering portion 16 is affixed to at least a portion of the distal perimeter portion 40 of the sole portion 18. The second edge 32 of the second covering portion 16 is unaffixed (i.e., not affixed to anything).

The first and second covering portion 14, 16 are typically sized such that together they cover the palm and fingers of a wearer's hand (but typically not long enough to extend proximally past the wearer's wrist or to cover a wearer's entire foot when worn as a sock).

When in the closed position (FIGS. 1, 3 and 6), the second edge 32 of the second covering portion 16 typically overlaps the distal edge 22 of the first covering portion 14. This overlap (which is best seen in FIG. 6) helps keep cold air from reaching the hand or foot, since the second edge 32 of the second covering portion 16 and the distal edge 22 of the first covering portion 14 are both unaffixed.

When it is desired to go from the closed position (FIGS. 1, 3 and 6) to the open position (FIGS. 2 and 4) (such as to access a wearer's fingers or toes), the second edge 32 of the second covering portion 16 is grasped and pulled toward and then around the distal end of the garment and then pulled back toward the proximal end of the garment (but on the opposite side of the garment, i.e., the sole portion side) until the second covering portion 16 is fully in the open position (see FIGS. 2 and 4). As seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, when in the open position, at least a portion of the second covering portion 16 overlaps at least a portion of a bottom surface of the sole portion 18. This motion is reversed to go from the open position to the closed position. Going from the closed position to the open position or from the open position to the closed position is typically, although not necessarily, performed while the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 is being worn.

The first and second covering portions 14, 16 may be constructed of any suitable fabric or combination of fabrics, but typically are constructed of a non-resilient or minimally resilient fabric or combination of. As an example, the first and second covering portions 14, 16 may be constructed of cotton, wool, fleece, Minky, knit, nylon, polyester, silk, cashmere, acrylic, or combinations thereof. The thickness of the material of the first and second covering portions 14, 16 may vary as desired. The first and second covering portions 14, 16 may include an inside lining for comfort, which may be constructed of silk, nylon, or any other suitable fabric that may be used as a lining of a garment. The first and second covering portions 14, 16 are typically, but not necessarily, both constructed of the same fabric or combination of fabrics. The first and second covering portions 14, 16 are typically, but not necessarily, both constructed of a fabric or combination of fabrics that is different than the material of which the tubular main body 12 is constructed. The first and second covering portions 14, 16 are typically, but not necessarily, both constructed of a fabric or combination of fabrics that has good heat retaining ability (and typically greater heat retaining ability than the material of which the tubular main body 12 is constructed).

The overall length of the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 of embodiments of the present invention is typically much longer than conventional mittens (conventional mittens typically extend to the wrist or just proximal to the wrist). As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the length is selected such that the fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 extends significantly up the wearer's arm and preferably past the wearer's elbow, such that much of wearer's arm is covered by the garment. This extended length enables the garment to stay in place better than conventional mittens, especially on very young children.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7, a fold-back mitten and sock combination may not have a sole portion. In one such alternative embodiment, there will be a third covering portion that is opposite and affixed to the first and second covering portions (i.e., in a similar position to the sole portion). The affixation of such a third covering portion to the first and second covering portions will be similar to the affixation of the sole portion to the first and second covering portions, however such a third covering portion will typically have a length equal to the combined length of the first and second covering portions. In such an alternative embodiment, the third covering portion will typically (although not necessarily) be constructed of the same material as the first and second covering portions. In another such alternative embodiment, distal end of the tubular main body has an extended bottom side, and the first and second covering portions are affixed to the extended bottom side (similar to the affixation of the sole portion to the first and second covering portions).

As shown in FIG. 7, fold-back mitten and sock combination 100 is illustrated in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention. The fold-back mitten and sock combination 100 comprises a tubular main body (which may also be termed a proximal portion) 112. The tubular main body has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the tubular main body has a first distal edge 126 and a second distal edge 124. (The first distal edge 126 and a second distal edge 124 are so delineated in order to more easily describe the way the tubular main body is affixed to the first covering portion 114 and the third covering portion 118 (described below). However, the distal end of the tubular main body 112 is likely to comprise a single circular edge, with a portion of the circular edge (126) being affixed to the first covering portion 114 and a different portion of the circular edge (124) being affixed to the third covering portion 118.

The tubular main body 112 may have a proximal cuff 120 at the proximal end. A wearer would insert his/her hand or foot into the proximal opening and continue inserting his/her hand or foot into the fold-back mitten and sock combination 100 until the fingers or toes reach the distal end of the fold-back mitten and sock combination 100. The main body 112 may be constructed of any suitable fabric or combination of fabrics, but typically is constructed of a resilient fabric or combination of fabrics such that the main body returns to its original shape/size when stretched and such that the main body applies some pressure to the arm or leg to enable the fold-back mitten and sock combination 100 to stay in place during use. As an example, the main body may be constructed of cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, silk, cashmere, acrylic, or combinations thereof. The thickness of the material of the tubular main body may vary as desired. Additionally, one or more additional materials may be added to impart the desired amount of resiliency or elasticity, such as elastane (Lycra or Spandex), rubber, or latex. The cuff 120 may be constructed of the same resilient material as the main body 112, but may be constructed in such a way that the cuff is thicker and/or more resilient than the main body 112. Alternatively, the cuff 120 may be constructed of a different material or combination of materials that is thicker and/or more resilient (or different in some other way) than the material of the main body 112.

The fold-back mitten and sock combination 100 further comprises a third covering portion 118 that has a perimeter. The perimeter has a proximal perimeter portion 136, a distal perimeter portion 140, and opposing mid-perimeter portions 138. The second distal edge 124 of the tubular main body 112 is affixed to at least a portion of the proximal perimeter portion 136 of the third covering portion 118. The third covering portion 118 will typically have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the combination of the first and second covering portions. In the example in FIG. 7, the third covering portion has a generally rectangular shape with rounded distal corners and square proximal corners.

The fold-back mitten and sock combination 10 further comprises a first covering portion 114 having a proximal edge 128, an opposing distal edge 122, and opposing first and second side edges 130. The proximal edge 128 of the first covering portion 114 is affixed to the first distal edge 126 of the tubular main body 112. The distal edge 122 of the first covering portion 114 is unaffixed (i.e., not affixed to anything). The first and second side edges 130 of the first covering portion 114 are each affixed to at least a portion of a respective one of the opposing mid-perimeter portions 138 of the third covering portion 118.

The fold-back mitten and sock combination 100 further comprises a second covering portion 116 having a first edge 134 and a second edge 132. The first edge 134 of the second covering portion 116 has first and second ends (not labeled). The second edge 132 of the second covering portion 116 has first and second ends (not labeled). The first ends of the first and second edges of the second covering portion abut each other, and the second ends of the first and second edges of the second covering portion abut each other. The first edge 134 of the second covering portion 116 is affixed to at least a portion of the distal perimeter portion 140 of the third covering portion 118. The second edge 132 of the second covering portion 116 is unaffixed (i.e., not affixed to anything).

The first and second covering portion 14, 16 are typically sized such that together they cover the palm and fingers of a wearer's hand (but typically not long enough to extend proximally past the wearer's wrist). The third covering portion 118 is typically sized to have the same length and width as the combination of the first and second covering portions 114, 116. As such, the first, second, and third covering portions 114, 116, 118 together form a hand covering portion, with the first and second covering portions covering the palm and palm sides of the fingers and the third covering portion covering the back of the hand and fingers.

When in the closed position, the second edge 132 of the second covering portion 116 typically overlaps the distal edge 122 of the first covering portion 14. This overlap helps keep cold air from reaching the hand or foot, since the second edge 132 of the second covering portion 116 and the distal edge 122 of the first covering portion 114 are both unaffixed.

When it is desired to go from the closed position to the open position (such as to access a wearer's fingers or toes), the second edge 132 of the second covering portion 116 is grasped and pulled toward and then around the distal end of the garment and then pulled back toward the proximal end of the garment (but on the opposite side of the garment, i.e., the third covering portion side) until the second covering portion 116 is fully in the open position. When in the open position, at least a portion of the second covering portion 116 overlaps at least a portion of an outer surface of the third covering portion 118. This motion is reversed to go from the open position to the closed position. Going from the closed position to the open position or from the open position to the closed position is typically, although not necessarily, performed while the fold-back mitten and sock combination 100 is being worn.

The first, second, and third covering portions 114, 116, 118 may be constructed of any suitable fabric or combination of fabrics, but typically are constructed of a non-resilient or minimally resilient fabric or combination of. As an example, the first, second, and third covering portions 114, 116, 118 may be constructed of cotton, wool, fleece, Minky, knit, nylon, polyester, silk, cashmere, acrylic, or combinations thereof. The thickness of the material of the first, second, and third covering portions 114, 116, 118 may vary as desired. The first, second, and third covering portions 114, 116, 118 may include an inside lining for comfort, which may be constructed of silk, nylon, or any other suitable fabric that may be used as a lining of a garment. The first, second, and third covering portions 114, 116, 118 are typically, but not necessarily, all constructed of the same fabric or combination of fabrics. The first, second, and third covering portions 114, 116, 118 are typically, but not necessarily, all constructed of a fabric or combination of fabrics that is different than the material of which the tubular main body 112 is constructed. The first, second, and third covering portions 114, 116, 118 are typically, but not necessarily, both constructed of a fabric or combination of fabrics that has good heat retaining ability (and typically greater heat retaining ability than the material of which the tubular main body 112 is constructed).

The overall length of the fold-back mitten and sock combination 100 of embodiments of the present invention is typically much longer than conventional mittens (conventional mittens typically extend to the wrist or just proximal to the wrist). The length is selected such that the fold-back mitten and sock combination 100 extends significantly up the wearer's arm and preferably past the wearer's elbow, such that much of wearer's arm is covered by the garment. This extended length enables the garment to stay in place better than conventional mittens, especially on very young children.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A garment for wearing on a hand or a foot of a wearer, the garment comprising: a tubular proximal portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a first distal edge and a second distal edge; an elongated sole portion having a perimeter, the perimeter having a proximal perimeter portion, a distal perimeter portion, and opposing mid-perimeter portions; a first covering portion having opposing proximal and distal edges and having opposing first and second side edges, the proximal edge of the first covering portion being affixed to the first distal edge of the tubular proximal portion, the distal edge of the first covering portion being unaffixed, the first and second side edges of the first covering portion each being affixed to at least a portion of a respective one of the opposing mid-perimeter portions of the sole portion; a second covering portion having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge of the second covering portion having first and second ends, the second edge of the second covering portion having first and second ends, the first ends of the first and second edges of the second covering portion abutting each other, the second ends of the first and second edges of the second covering portion abutting each other, the first edge of the second covering portion being affixed to at least a portion of the distal perimeter portion of the sole portion, the second edge of the second covering portion being unaffixed; wherein the second distal edge of the tubular proximal portion is affixed to at least a portion of the proximal perimeter portion of the sole portion.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the second edge of the second covering portion overlaps the distal edge of the first covering portion when the second covering portion is in a closed position.
 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second covering portion overlaps at least a portion of a bottom surface of the sole portion when the second covering portion is in an open position.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein a length of the sole portion is greater than a combined length of the first and second covering portions.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the tubular proximal portion comprises a cuff.
 6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second distal edges of the distal end of the tubular proximal portion comprise first and second distal arctuate edges.
 7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the sole portion has a rounded rectangular shape or an oval shape.
 8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the sole portion comprises a padded or cushioned material.
 9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the tubular proximal portion comprises a first material; and where the first and second covering portions comprise a second material different than the first material.
 10. The garment of claim 9, wherein the second material has increased heat retaining ability as compared to the first material.
 11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the tubular proximal portion comprises a resilient material.
 12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the first and second covering portions comprise a non-resilient material.
 13. The garment of claim 11, wherein the sole portion comprises a non-resilient material.
 14. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second covering portions comprise a non-resilient material.
 15. The garment of claim 5, wherein the cuff comprises a resilient material. 